Vought Corsair F4-U, NZ 5401 to NZ 5450, 944 to 1949, Part 5

Vought Corsair F4-U, NZ 5401 to NZ 5450, 944 to 1949, Part 5

Design:
Ivor Sikorsky and Rex Beisel

Company:
Chance Vought
Sikorsky Division of United Aircraft Corp
Brewster
Goodyear

Wing Span:
40 ft 11.3/4 in 12.49 M

Wing Area:
314 sq ft

Length:
33 ft 4.1/2 in 10.17 M

Height:
14 ft 9.1/4 in 4.50 M

Ceiling:
36,900 ft 11,242 M

Speed at 19,900 ft
417 MPH 671 KPH

Range:
1,015 Miles 1,633 Km

T/O Weight:
11,093 lbs 5,032 Kg

Empty Weight:
8,873 lbs 4,025 Kg

Crew:
1 Pilot

Role:
Fighter
Fighter / Bomber

Total Manufactured:
12,571 All Marks

First Flight:
29 May 1940

Entered Service:
July 1942

Armament:
6 x .5 in machine Guns in wings
Up To 2,000 Lbs Under Wings
8 HVA Rockets on wing racks
Qty Served:
424

Years Served:
1944 to 1949

Tail Nos:
F4U – 1A
NZ 5201 to NZ 5396
NZ 5461 to NZ 5463
NZ 5465
NZ 5487
NZ 5501 to NZ 5536

F4U – 1D
NZ 5397 to NZ 5460
NZ 5464
NZ 5466 to NZ 5486
NZ 5537 to NZ 5577

FG – 1D
NZ 5601 to NZ 5660

ENGINE

Image Source

Type:
Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp R 2800 - 8
18 cylinder, twin row, air cooled, radial, supercharged

Horse Power:
2,000 HP

Bore:
5.75 in 146.5 mm

Stroke:
6.0 in 152.4 mm

Volume:
2,804 Cu in 45.96 L

Max RPM:
2,800 HP

Fuel:
100/130 Octane

Length:
81.4 in 2.068 mm

Diameter:
52.8 in 1,342 mm

Weight:
2,360 lb

Power to Weight Ratio:
0.89 hp/lb 1.46 KW/Kg

Production Started:
1937

Production 1939 – 1960
125,334

NZ 52** to NZ54** Were Assembled at Espiritu Santo
NZ 55** Were Assembled in New Zealand
NZ 56** Were Assembled at Los Negros
FG-1A FG were Goodyear Type Corsairs

WARB = War Articles Restitution Board
LAC = Leading Aircraft Man
Sqn = Squadron
F O T U = Fighter Operational Training Unit
C F S = Central Flying School
HMS = Her Majesty’s Ship
B O C U = British Occupation Force Unit
ATC = Air Training Corp.
Inst = Non-Flying Instructional Airframe
CCU NZ = Corsair Conversion Unit in N Z
T/O = Take Off
U/C = Undercarriage [Wheels]
Hyd = Hydraulic
C F E = Central Fighters Establishment

The organization of the RNZAF in the Pacific war was,
The pilots and a small staff belonged to a Sqn. [Max strength of pilots was 27.]

The Sqn’s were assigned to Servicing Units which carried out
aircraft maintenance and operated from fixed locations.

In all, there were 10 front line Servicing Units, plus 3 based in NZ.

Because each Servicing Unit painted its aircraft with distinctive markings
and the aircraft themselves could be repainted several different colour schemes
the RNZAF Corsairs were far less uniform in appearance
compared with their American and Fleet Air Arm contemporaries.

By late 1944 the Corsair had equipped all 10 Pacific based fighter Sqns of the RNZAF.

When the Corsairs arrived there were virtually no Japanese aircraft left
in N Z’s allocated sectors of the South Pacific.

They were primarily used for close support of American, Australian, and NZ soldiers
fighting the Japanese.

At the end of 1945, all but No.14 Fighter Sqn were disbanded.

NZ 5401

Constructors No.: 5918
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57095
Shipped on USS Kwajalein to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 401
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 15 Sqn 9 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 25 Oct 1944
To 15 Sqn 4 Dec 1944
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ5402

Constructors No.: 5815
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50568
Shipped on USS Kwajalein to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 02
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
To 20 Sqn Jun 1945
Hit the ground while pulling out of a dive
During operations on Ulu Island 21 Jun 1945
F/S Ron Warren captured and held P O W

NZ 5403

Constructors No.: 5967
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57144
Shipped on USS Kwajalein to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 22 Sqn 18 Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 14 Sqn Jan 1945
To 17 Sqn Feb 1945
Engine caught fire during operations,
Ditched into sea near Cape Gazelle 14 Mar 1945
F/S A Burns rescued uninjured

NZ 5404

Constructors No.: 5967
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57090
Shipped on USS Kwajalein to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 22 Sqn 18 Aug 1944
To 15 Sqn 16 Oct 1944
To 14 Sqn Apr 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5405

Construction No.: 5813
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50566
Shipped on USS Kwajalein to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 405
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 15 Sqn 9 Nov 1944
To 14 Sqn Apr 1945
Ditched into sea near Hongoroi River during operations 28 May 1945
S/L P Mc Nab rescued uninjured

NZ 5406

Constructors No.: 5906
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No: Bu 50659
Shipped on USS Kwajalein to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 406
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 15 Sqn 9 Nov 1944
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5407

Constructors No.: 5912
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy.: Bu 57089
Shipped on USS Kwajalein to Espritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 14Sqn Apr 1945
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5408

Constructors No.: 5797
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50550
Shipped on USS Kwajalein to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 14 Sqn Jan 1945
Part of a formation of four, mid air with Corsair N Z 5423 15 Jan 1945
Collided at low altitude while flying through a tropical storm near Green Island
F/L Bruce Hay killed

NZ 5409

Constructors No.: 5812
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50565
Shipped on USS Kwajalein to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 Aug 1944
Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 22 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
Hydraulic failure, U/C could not be lowered, pilot bailed out 15 Nov 1944
A/C crashed into sea near Nissan Island
F/S Ron Warren rescued uninjured

NZ 5410

Constructors No.: 5808
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50561
Shipped on USS Kwajalein to Espiritu Santo
B OC Unit 60 5 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 10
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 14 Sqn Jan 1945
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
To 16 Sqn 11 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5411

Constructors No.: 5905
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50658
Shipped on USS Kwajalein to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ5412

Constructors No.: 6073
Mark F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57250
Shipped on USS Kwajalein to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 5 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
14 Sqn Jan 1945
The A/C was part of a formation of four, two others
NZ 5408 and NZ 5423 collided at low altitude,
Presumed this crash caused by debris from mid-air
A/C dived into sea 15 Jan 1945
F/O Albert Saward killed

NZ 5413

Constructors No.: 6025
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57202
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 14 Sqn Jun 1945
Hit by flak during a bombing raid, crashed into Simpson Harbour 0905 hrs on 15 Jan 1945
F/L Francis Keefe P O W Died 15 days later

NZ 5414

Constructors No.: 6043
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57211
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 15 Sqn 9 Nov 1944
To 20 Sqn Mar 1945
A cannon shell had exploded in aft fuselage breaking the elevator push rod
Making the A/C uncontrollable, crashed at Tarena following it’s bombing run
1800 hrs on 26 Mar 1945
F/O Brent Clarke killed

NZ 5415

Constructors No.: 5915
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57092
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 17 Sqn Jan 1945
Failed to pull out of a dive while strafing a convoy of trucks 1045 hrs on 30 Jan 1945
Crashed near Vulcan Crater
F/O Owen Davies killed

NZ 5416

Constructors No.: 6091
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57268
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 2 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
To 16 Sqn 4 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5417

Constructors No.: 6036
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57213
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 417
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 15 Sqn 9 Nov 1944
To 14 Sqn Apr 1945
To 16 Sqn
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5418

Construction No.: 5928
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57105
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 418
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 15 Sqn 9 Nov 1944
To 16 Sqn Sep 1945
Low flying near Jacquinot Bay, New Britian, struck treetops
1040 hrs on 20 Sep 1945
Stalled, dived vertically into ground
F/S Alec Teschner killed

NZ 5419

Constructors No.: 5810
Mark: F4U-1D
US navy No.: Bu 50563
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 419
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 15 Sqn 9 Nov 1944
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5420

Constructors No.: 5921
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57098
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 20
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
To 20 Sqn Jun 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5421

Constructors No.: 6018
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57195
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 14 Sqn Jan 1945
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
To 16 Sqn 15 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5422

Constructors No.: 5979
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57156
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 14 Sqn Jan 1945
Damaged in crash landing 10 Apr 1945
Repaired, returned to service
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5423

Constructors No.: 6028
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57205
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
14 Sqn Jan 1945
Mid air with Corsair N Z 5408, collided at low altitude while
Flying through a tropical storm 15 Jan 1945
F/S John Mc Arthur killed

NZ 5424

Constructors No.: 6085
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57262
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
Code letter/No.: 24
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
Code letter/No. 424
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
Named Nan
To 16 Sqn 4 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5425

Constructors No.: 6035
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57212
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 25
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 14 Sqn Jan 1944
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
To 19 Sqn 13 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5426

Constructors No.: 5968
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57145
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 426
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 15 Sqn 9 Nov 1944
To 14 Sqn Jan 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5427

Constructors No.: 6015
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57192
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Aug 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 18 Sqn Dec1944
Crashed on landing at Green Island due to brake failure 7 Dec 1944
Written off
Pilot O K

NZ 5428

Constructors No.: 6024
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57201
Shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 15 Sqn 20 Oct 1944
To 24 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 14 Sqn Jan 19445
The A/C pulled up into cloud while circulating to land at Green Island
1940 hrs on 15 Jan 1945
Never seen again
F/S Ian Munro missing presumed killed

NZ 5429

Constructors No.: 5807
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50560
shipped on USS Grand Mesa to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 15 Sqn 23 Sep 1944
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 14 Sqn Dec 1944
Flew into ground during strafing attack near Vunapope
0940 hrs on 25 Dec 1944
F/S Ian Thorburn killed

NZ 5430

Construction No.: 6075
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57252
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espirtiu Santo
B O C Unit 60 11 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 8 Feb 1945
To 23 Sqn Mar 1945
Mid air with Corsair NZ 5450 about 20 Miles from Djaul Island 28 Mar 1945
P/O H Brougham bailed out rescued uninjured

NZ 5431

Constructors No.: 5901
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50654
Shipped USS Winnebago to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 12 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 31
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 11 Feb 1945
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5432

Constructors No.: 6020
Mark: F4D-1D
US No.: Bu 57197
Shipped on USS Winnebargo to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 17 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 32
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 25 Jan 1945
To 23 Sqn Mar 1945
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1945
To 16 Sqn 30 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5433

Constructors No.: 5903
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50656
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 12 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 33
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1955
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn Nov 1044
To 22 Sqn 28 Feb 1945
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1945
To 16 Sqn 30 Sep 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5434

Constuctors No.: 5900
Mark: F4D-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50653
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espiriti Santo
B O C Unit 60 12 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 34
At Espiriti Santo Aug 1944
To 15 Sqn 25 Sep1944
To 22 Sqn 6 Oct 1944
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1945
To 16 Sqn 30 Sep 1945
Engine failure in the circuit of Henderson Field
On the start of ferry flight to N Z 30 Oct 1945
Written off
F/O M Gunton uninjured

NZ 5435

Constuctors No.: 6080
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57257
Shipped on Winnebago to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 12 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 20 Jan 1945
To 23 Sqn Mar 1945
To 14 Sqn Jul 1945
To 16 Sqn 30 Sep 1945
Ferried to N Z Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5436

Constructors No.: 6023
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57200
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 12 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 36
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn Jan 1945
Engine failure while on escort duty, ditched into the sea north of Tawui
29 Jan 1945
F/S R Bennett rescued uninjured

NZ 5437

Constructors No.: 6032
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57209
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 12 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
Hit by Jananese flak, crashed into the sea 25 miles from Emirau
24 Dec 1944
P/O K Wright rescued uninjured

NZ 5438

Construction No.: 6092
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57269
Shipped on USS Winnebago to Espritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 12 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 38
At Espiritu Santo Aug 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 12 Feb 1945
To 23 Sqn 20 Mar 1945
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1945
To 16 Sqn 30 Sep 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larden Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5430

Constructors No.: 5691
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50444
Shipped on USS Attu to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 31 Aug 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
Engine failure while on escort duty, crashed into the sea 13 Dec 1944
P/O R Yelton rescued uninjured

NZ 5440

Constructors No.: 5706
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50459
Shipped on USS Attu to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 31 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 40
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 15 Sqn 3 Oct 1944
Named Li’l Audrey
To 23 Sqn 9 Oct 1944
To 20 Sqn 26 Oct 1944
To 14 Sqn Jan 1945
To 24 Sqn 20 May 1945
To 19 Sqn 13 Sept 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5441

Constructors No.: 6031
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57208
Shipped on USS Attu to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 31 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 22 Jan 1945
To 23 Sqn Mar 1945
To 14 Sqn Jul 1945
To 16 Sqn 30 Sep 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larden Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5442

Constructors No.: 5697
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50450
Shipped on USS Attu to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 31 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn Nov 1944
To 23 Sqn 20 Apr 1945
To 16 Sqn 30 Sqn 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhai
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5443

Constructors No.: 5696
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50449
Shipped on USS Attu to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 31 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 16 Sqn 10 Oct 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 12 Jan 1945
To 23 Sqn 25 Mar 1945
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1945
To 16 Sqn 30 Sept 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larden Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5444

Constructors No.: 6014
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57191
Shipped on USS Attu to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 31 Aug 1944
Code letters/No. 444
At Espiritu Santo Sept 1944
To 15 Sqn 9 Nov 1944
To 14 Sqn Apr 1945
Last operational flight from Bougainville 25 May 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5445

Constructors No.: 5925
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57102
Shipped on USS Attu to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 31 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 15 Sqn 9 Nov 1044
To 14 Sqn Apr 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5446

Constructors No.: 5911
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 57088
Shipped on USS Attu to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 31 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 15 Sqn 9 Nov 1944
To 14 Sqn Apr 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5447

Constructors No.: 5705
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50458
Shipped on US Attu to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 31 Aug 1944
Code letter/No. 47
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 11 Feb 1945
To 25 Sqn Jul 1945
Engine failure during operations, ditched into the sea near Emirau
16 Jul 1945
F/O C Stephens rescued uninjured

NZ 5448

Constructors No.: 5690
Mark: F4U01D
US Navy No.: Bu 50443
Shipped on USS Attu to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 31 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sept 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn Feb 1945
Overturned on landing with no brakes at Emirau
11 Feb 1945
Written off
F/S D Loan uninjured

NZ 5449

Constructors No.: 5891
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50644
Shipped on USS Attu to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 31 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 15 Sqn 27 Sep 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 14 Jan 1945
To 23 Sqn Mar 1945
To 14 Sqn 8 Aug 1945
To 16 Sqn 30 Sept 1945
Ferried to NZ Oct 1945
Advertised for sale WARB tender No 1704
Sold from Rukuhia
To J Larsen Palmerston North 2 Mar 1948

NZ 5450

Constructors No.: 5893
Mark: F4U-1D
US Navy No.: Bu 50646
Shipped on USS Attu to Espiritu Santo
B O C Unit 60 31 Aug 1944
At Espiritu Santo Sep 1944
To 15 Sqn 28 Sep 1944
To 24 Sqn Nov 1944
To 19 Sqn 20 Nov 1944
To 22 Sqn 16 Jan 1945
To 23 Sqn May 1945
Mid-air with Corsair NZ 5430, 20 miles from Djaul Island
A/C lost it’s tail and crashed into the sea 28 May 1945
F/O Victor Mortenson killed

Unsourced photos through the Ohakea Museum

Part 1

Part 2

part 3

Part 4

with thanks to son-of-satire for the banner